Hacienda Colorado is tops for tequila
There are many styles and variations of Mexican food around Denver, but only one restaurant in town, Hacienda Colorado, calls its product "Mountain Mex". Combine those subtle taste variations with a fine assortment of tequilas and you have a "mixto" that is 100% pure.
I already tried Hacienda Colorado in Westminster for dinner. I liked the style, design and decoration of the restaurant. The intention to upscale the Mexican food experience is evident. The salsa was good, the food was good, and the service was impeccable. Yet, I found myself fascinated with their list of some 120 tequilas. I have not seen variety in tequila like that since visiting Baja Mexico. After my first visit, I vowed to return just to sample their tequilas and I did.
Who could not love a historical drink like tequila developed from the fermented agave drinks "octli" and "pulque" of the Aztecs? Good tequila is a travel back in time to stand with the ancients and sip their wine of choice. Unfortunately, most Americans first experience tequila "crudo" with a lick of salt and a slice of lemon, or mixed in a cocktail. That is OK, but the finest tequilas are almost like fine brandies and meant for savoring slowly from a caballito alongside a taste of Sangrita.
For the record, although tequilas can come from any part of Mexico, they originated in Tequila, Mexico in the Los Altos region of the State of Jalisco. Distilled from the Blue Agave plant, tequilas come in one of two types, either mixtos or 100% pure, and are in one of five categories depending on age and mix. Blancos are the clear tequilas bottled immediately after distillation and usually the harshest. Next are the Oros which are Blancos mixed with rested or aged tequila and colored with caramel. Reposados are tequilas aged in white oak at least 2 months, but less than one year. Anejos are tequilas aged one to three years and Extra Anejos are tequilas aged three years or longer. The more aged tequilas tend to be the smoothest, and, due to the care necessary to produce them and the limited quantity of production, some of the Anejos and Extra Anejos can get quite expensive. The two finest tequilas by the Don Julio distilleries are $130 and $450 a bottle respectively. I sampled the Don Julio 1942 Special Edition.
Named for
Don JulioGonzales Estrada, the tequila maker who initiated the production of premium tequilas in 1987, the 1942 Special Edition celebrates the 60 th anniversary of the opening of the first Don Julio distillery and represents the state of the art. Aged at least 2 ½ years in American White Oak Barrels, it is said to have the essences of vanilla, apple and oak. It was like no other tequila I ever tasted and was as silky smooth as any beverage I ever sipped. At $20 for a one and one half ounce shot, it is not a drink either to slam or mix in a cocktail. It was a pleasurable experience, but reserved for celebration and special occasions. The top end Don Julio Real aged three to five years is $49 for the same one and one half ounce shot, and I will get back to that someday, but not today.
After celebratory shots with friends, we took a table for lunch, and found Hacienda Colorado to have a fine, moderately priced lunch in an atmosphere very conducive to dining. After both dining experiences, I would definitely recommend Hacienda Colorado for affordable luxury. If you go, take time to stop at the bar and sample one of the fine tequilas. You do not have to have the most expensive to taste an excellent product. Any of the upscale tequilas you try is certain to pique your curiosity and change your opinion of that beverage forever. You will find any of the premium tequilas make a fine aperitif and will enhance your entire dining experience. Whether for lunch or dinner, Hacienda Colorado is the perfect place to experience it all.